Simple Crafts for the Elderly Recommended for Tanabata
July 7 is Tanabata.
When you think of Tanabata, many people picture Princess Orihime, Prince Hikoboshi, and the Milky Way.
For older adults, hands-on crafts that let them experience seasonal events provide great stimulation for the brain.
In this article, we introduce easy craft ideas recommended for Tanabata.
We’ve gathered a wide range of Tanabata-themed craft ideas, including decorations, garlands, wall art, and tanzaku wish strips.
They’re all simple to make, so older adults can try them with ease.
Be sure to read this article and use it to help with your Tanabata crafting!
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[For Seniors] Easy Crafts Recommended for Tanabata (31–40)
Orihime and Hikoboshi
Perfect for Tanabata! Here are some ideas themed around Orihime and Hikoboshi made with origami.
You can choose any colors you like for Orihime and Hikoboshi, so you can create your very own cute couple.
Use a calendar with a dark background—such as black or indigo—and add star stickers to craft a handmade Milky Way.
Once you place Orihime and Hikoboshi on either side of the Milky Way, it’s complete.
Why not decorate your room wall and enjoy the Tanabata atmosphere at home? The steps are simple, so this year, spend a special moment with handmade Orihime and Hikoboshi for Tanabata.
Sendai Tanabata Festival
A Tanabata-themed wall display! Here are some ideas inspired by the Sendai Tanabata Festival.
How about creating a wall display that evokes the Sendai Tanabata Festival, one of Japan’s three major Tanabata festivals? A glamorous and dynamic display is sure to lift everyone’s spirits.
You’ll need origami paper, chiyogami (patterned paper), colored construction paper, drawing paper, newspaper, tissue paper flowers, copier paper, and more.
While the overall effect is impactful, there are also many small decorations, making it a wonderful idea that everyone can collaborate on together!
Jelly Cup: Twinkle Star Wind Chime
Star-shaped and sparkly decorations have eye-catching beauty and a playful vibe that brighten your heart just by looking at them.
The way they shine as they reflect sunlight or indoor lighting provides visual stimulation and helps refresh the mood of older adults.
Prepare a jelly cup and stick on your favorite star stickers.
Add a holographic strip and a little bell, and it’s done in no time! Star motifs remind us of childhood dreams and our longing for the sky.
Even as we grow older, they gently resonate in our hearts as symbols of dreams and hope.
Tanabata decoration – Fukinagashi (streamers)
Easy to display in miniature size! Here are some ideas for Tanabata streamers.
When you think of Tanabata decorations, what comes to mind? Maybe net ornaments, paper baskets, or tanzaku wish strips.
This time, let’s make streamers, which are traditionally displayed to pray for improvement in handicrafts and weaving.
You’ll need three sheets of tissue paper, one sheet of origami paper, thread, craft glue, paste, and scissors.
Changing the colors of the tissue and origami paper can give a different feel and make it more fun.
Try finding your favorite combination!
Tanabata wall decoration-making
In July, when summer gradually comes into full swing, Tanabata is a major event—a celebration with a strong romantic image of gazing up at the sky.
How about decorating your interior to evoke the starry sky of Tanabata and heighten the festive mood even more? Among the stories associated with the festival, the Milky Way is especially important.
Let’s make an origami Milky Way as the main feature and decorate around it with various motifs.
It’s fun that you can express your individuality through the colors you choose and the motifs you create.
[For Seniors] Easy Tanabata Crafts Recommended (41–50)
Tanabata-style calendar
This time, we’ll introduce a July calendar craft centered on Tanabata, the July festival.
Many of you may be thinking, “I want to make a handmade calendar.” There are various calendar-making kits available for purchase.
A kit featuring bamboo branches decorated for Tanabata is especially handy.
If you use a craft knife to cut out the bamboo leaves on the double-layered calendar base, you’ll get a three-dimensional finish.
And of course, be sure to add tanzaku—wish strips imbued with the feelings of the seniors—onto the bamboo.
Including tanzaku will help you create a calendar with a unique, personal touch.
Tanabata decorations
July 7 is Tanabata.
Even as adults, many of us still get excited, don’t we? This time, let’s make Tanabata decorations using construction paper.
First, we’ll recreate the Milky Way.
Make slits with scissors in a sheet of blue construction paper, and the Milky Way is complete! You can also recreate a star-filled sky with origami—just cut yellow origami paper into star shapes.
Attach them to the Milky Way, and you’ll have a splendid celestial river.
Even if it’s rainy and you can’t see it outside, you can enjoy Tanabata at home by gazing at your own Milky Way.